reflektive age

Half way through November? Unbelievable. Not much novel going on around here but we are trying to make the most of these last snow-free days. Today was almost balmy as we were able to ditch boots and mitts when playing out of doors.

Since the start of November, Kate has moved to all day Montessori so once again we three are getting used to adjusted schedules and activities. Kate is loving having lunch and recess with her friends then the new afternoon activities at school. Elliott and I are missing her though. Elliott has finally stopped asking me why we forgot Kate at school and I am getting used to being Elliott's constant afternoon playmate.  I'm really learning a different style of play. So far it has consisted mainly of war/death in its various forms:  shark attacks, rogue fire starters, car accidents, elephants attacking airplanes, sword attacks, firing ranges, this afternoon I believe a few of our animals were even thrown in the oven -Hansel and Gretel style. Morose but it sure beats My Little Pony.

We're loving this school year for Kate. She's happy, social and catching on quickly. At parent teacher interviews last week her teacher thought she would be ready to start with some intro readers at home by January. The thought of a child, my child, reading, makes me tear up every time I imagine it. I'm so excited for her. Oh and the stories she told us around their school's Remembrance Day observations were interesting. The other morning she was asking Elliott if he knew who John McCrae was. She went on to explain that he was so famous because he was soldier that wrote a poem Flanders Fields and people loved it so much that he became so famous. She also informed me that men fought in the wars, BUT, women had important roles too. They set up big tents and were nurses to the hurt and dying soldiers. I don't mean to make light of it, but a couple weeks in, as Elliott's playmate, makes it fairly obvious to me why there are so many wars and battles for us to pay remembrance to.

We are still trying to make time for after school visits with friends and getting around town a bit but it's getting harder with the early sunsets and tired little people. Here's a few recent photos.

Girlfriends doing what girlfriends do.

Perfect excess Ruby.

Laurie and Leo out on the court watching the crazy big kids. Note the gun in the little man's hand.

Kate and Ruby glamming for the upcoming holiday party circuit.

My cowboys.

Proudly flying WestJet.

Another Jorgensen war scene.

 Somehow I doubt this will be the only time I see my daughter heading off on a motorcycle.

Elliott's latest obsession, wearing ladies' glasses. I love you man.

A last thought, if you haven't already may I recommend you grab the new Arcade Fire album. It could just put the grand in the weekend we wish you.

XO aj, ej & kj